Volvo Penta is to complete a feasibility study together with ABB in Sweden and Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg to evaluate technology that can meet the challenge of providing fast charging of electric vessels.

Once complete, it is hoped that fast charging technology will be incorporated into Gothenburg’s Marine Demo Arena and become part of the ElectriCity public transport network.

“While all-electric boating remains in its infancy, for this exciting new transport system to be a success and grow, a network of fast charging stations needs to be developed,” said Niklas Thulin, director electromobility at Volvo Penta. “Identifying the more promising solutions will be the challenge of the one-year project, which is being partly funded by the Swedish Energy Agency.”

The Volvo Group has already developed a fast charging network to support its two electric buses in the city of Gothenburg and the study will assess if similar technology could be adapted for marine applications.

“We believe we can leverage proven technology from the Volvo Group to develop hybrid and electric solutions on board,” said Mr Thulin. “But the need for infrastructure, standards, and regulations are critical to accelerate this shift. The commercial boat owner or vessel operator of the future will need to be able to charge in a similar way from city-to-city or harbour-to-harbour.”

“ABB is committed to running the world without consuming the Earth, and to further enhancing energy efficiency and emission reduction for shipping with electric, digital and connected technologies,” added Jörgen Karlsson, head of sales, ABB Marine Sweden.